Rapper Nelly has confirmed his romance with Ashanti has ended, insisting he was too busy to concentrate on the starry relationship. The pair split last year but sparked reconciliation speculation after they were spotted together over the summer. Rumours intensified when the singer joined Nelly at private listening session for his new album 5.0. in October.

But the Hot In Herre star insists he’s now just close pals with Ashanti.

Nelly tells Rap-Up.com, “I’m married to my work… I’m not a person that wants to get married more than once. You see what I’m saying? If I’ma do it, I’ma do it and that’s it (sic). You’re dying if you leave me.

“I’m married to getting things in a certain situation right now and she’s married to getting things in a certain situation. So again, man, we enjoy each other’s company and love it.”